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creeping mahonia

Berberis repens

Creeping mahonia is a small, evergreen shrub with shiny leaves and bright yellow flowers. It grows close to the ground and can spread out like a carpet, making it a lovely addition to gardens.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The creeping mahonia is a low-growing, evergreen shrub with distinctive holly-like, spiny, green leaves that often turn reddish-purple in cold weather. It boasts clusters of small, bright yellow flowers, followed by powdery blue-black berries.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRanunculalesFamilyBerberidaceaeGenusMahonia
creeping mahonia
flowering trait badgeornamental trait badgeshrub trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
creeping mahonia

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Even though its leaves look like holly, this plant is not related to true holly at all!

In autumn, its tough green leaves can magically change to surprising purple-red hues!

Its roots were once used by Native Americans to make a bright yellow dye!

The tart blue berries are perfect for making delicious jellies and sauces!

Special abilities

Ability

Winter Warrior

Creeping mahonia has tough, evergreen leaves that help it stay green and make food all year, even when other plants lose their leaves.

Ability

Spiny Protector

Creeping mahonia has sharp, spiny edges on its leaves that help defend it from hungry animals that might want a snack.

Ability

Underground Traveler

Creeping mahonia can spread with special underground stems (rhizomes) to colonize new areas and find more water.

Ability

Berry Bonanza

Creeping mahonia produces tart, blue-black berries that attract birds and other animals, helping the plant spread its seeds far and wide.

Measurements & details

Height
15-30 cm
Spread
30-90 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Spring to early summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honeybee

Apis mellifera

Gathers nectar from its yellow flowers.

pollinates

Western Bumblebee

Bombus mixtus

Visits flowers for pollen and nectar.

eaten by

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Feeds on its nutritious blue-black berries.

eaten by

American Black Bear

Ursus americanus

Forages for its berries as a food source.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Always ask an adult before touching plants, as some can be prickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is creeping mahonia?

15-30 cm

How wide does creeping mahonia spread?

30-90 cm

How big are the flowers on creeping mahonia?

0.5-1 cm

When does creeping mahonia bloom?

Spring to early summer

Is creeping mahonia edible?

Yes

Is creeping mahonia toxic?

Mild

What is creeping mahonia's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is creeping mahonia pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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